Why Abuse is Happening in Inuit Society
Most Inuit agree that while there always has been some violence and abuse in Inuit society, it now is much more common than in the past. We feel that this is a hard problem to solve and there are few resources to help us. Some community leaders believe that violence has become so destructive to women, children, families and community health that it threatens the future of the Inuit.
The diagram below gives a simple picture of some of the main causes of abuse in Inuit communities. Of course in reality, the circumstances surrounding abuse are even more complex and affect each person differently.
This model shows that the violence and abuse can be tracked back to two main causes: loss of culture and tradition; and loss of control over our future.
This history leads to mental trauma, the breakdown of families, alcohol and drug addictions and feelings of powerlessness. Fear, mistrust, abuse and denial result, creating a cycle of abuse in which Inuit people can be both victims and abusers — a cycle that repeats itself with each new generation.